Town of Buchananhttp://www.townofbuchanan.com
Where Main Street Meets the MountainsFri, 09 Dec 2016 21:09:08 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.4Daytripper Takes Us To Small Town Americahttp://www.townofbuchanan.com/news/daytripper-takes-us-to-small-town-america/
Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:39:31 +0000http://www.townofbuchanan.com/?p=5174more »]]>Daytripper Takes Us To Small Town America

During the mid-1700s, Buchanan, Virginia was the jumping-off point for travelers on both the James River and the north-south Lee Highway. Buchanan was a respite for resting, dining and resupplying provisions for the journey. Rich in history, the town is celebrating 200 years of ebb and flow and, like other small towns, rebuilding and reinventing itself through many economic and social changes.

Situated at the intersection of Route 11 and Route 43 and accessible from I-81, the town is close to destinations such as Natural Bridge, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. Today, Buchanan is at the crossroads of adventure whether exploring the outdoors or exploring the downtown scene. Mark and I took ourselves off to for a day of adventuring.

We found the laid-back atmosphere in downtown inviting to relax and explore at an unhurried pace. Whether you’re interested in history, antiques or art, there is something for everyone. History buffs will find that Buchanan was the western terminus for the James River and Kanawha Canal which George Washington proposed to create a link from the Richmond area to the Ohio River for commerce. It is considered an engineering feat. As part of the Civil War Trail, each spring re-enactors take over the town to retell the story of the triumphs and tragedies of the war during the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend. We hear Spring is particularly gorgeous as the entire town explodes with bursts of color in the trees,

History buffs will find that Buchanan was the western terminus for the James River and Kanawha Canal which George Washington proposed to create a link from the Richmond area to the Ohio River for commerce. It is considered an engineering feat. As part of the Civil War Trail, each spring re-enactors take over the town to retell the story of the triumphs and tragedies of the war during the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend.

We hear Spring is particularly gorgeous as the entire town explodes with bursts of color in the trees, yards, and public grounds. And this time of year it’s not hard to find rose bushes, lilies, daisies and so much more blooming throughout the town.

We discovered the Swinging Bridge over the James, a favorite attraction to newcomers and townspeople alike. At 366 feet long and 57.5 feet tall it is quite impressive. While the wooden bridge has been redone, the stone piers, original to the bridge, date to 1851 and have seen many wars and floods in its time. At one time it was a toll bridge and pedestrians, horses, mules, oxen or wagons were charged 5 cents each to cross. The bridge’s historical significance contributed to Buchanan’s placement on the National Historic Register as a Historic District.

Shoppers of antiques and art will love the downtown scene, especially “Antique Alley.” The Purgatory Emporium, so named for Purgatory Mountain visible from the shop window, features over 50 dealers of antiques, jewelry, crafts and other nifty collectibles. Gallery by the James is an artist co-op which is owned and operated by local artists. They currently feature the work of 15 artists. The Frame Shop and Gallery also feature art and a large selection of Civil War Art by Mort Kunstler and John Paul Strain. There are some other hidden treasures around town for you to discover on your own.

While not utilized for commerce in today’s world, the James River is a recreational hot spot. Located on Lowe Street, in sight of the James River, Twin River Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks, rafts and river tubes and offers daytrips and canoe camping trips. Here in Buchanan, where the James River winds its way to the Chesapeake Bay, the river is usually about waist deep for adults, but there are some holes that get as deep as 15’. Twin River Outfitters also provides excursions to the Maury River.

Not to be overlooked is the need to refuel after all the shopping. Stepping right out of the 50s and 60s, experience the old fashion soda fountain at The Buchanan Fountain & Grill. Serving up lunch and dinner as well as sweet treats like milkshakes, floats, and sundaes, it is an experience that will take you back in time with memorabilia decor and photos of the old cars from recent Cruise Ins. If your preference is a little more substantive, check out the Brink of the James Bistro which serves not only burgers and such, but delectable dishes like grilled salmon and short ribs of beef, just to name a few.

If an overnight adventure is more enticing, there are a few accommodations of interest. One of the most unique is The Buchanan Railcar Inn. A renovated 1934 luxury executive rail car featuring inlaid woods and fine furnishings, it offers spacious bedrooms and has a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Reservations are required. The James River House offers 5 bedrooms and is great for groups of 6 to 14 all within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. It has a formal living room, diningroom and full kitchen for convenience. Other unique cabins and cottages in the surrounding area are available overnight stays.

Treat your taste buds to old fashion foods and enjoy the Cruise In car show along Main Street. Caricature artists will immortalize your face and you can even take a carriage ride. On October 3rd, Mountain Magic in Fall will be held featuring Bluegrass Music, country dancing, antiques, Farmer’s Market, food and lots of fun. Take some time to check out this small town off the beaten path.

The Buchanan Theatre opened as the Star Theatre in 1919 after Elmer Shank purchased the A.E. McCurdy’s Open Air Theatre and built the current building with lumber that his family cut themselves. After passing through several generations of owners, the Buchanan Theatre, as it was eventually named, operated continuously until 1985. The theatre sat empty until 2002 when Dale and Gloria Carter purchased the building, provided renovations and helped form a non-profit called Standing Room Only to operate the space. Finally, on November 1, 2002, the doors reopened. Today, the Buchanan Theatre provides a venue for movies, live musical performances and local business meetings. Now recognized as Botetourt County’s oldest standing theatre, the Buchanan is on the National Register of Historic Places. Find out more about the Buchanan Theatre at www.buchanantheatre.com.

Buchanan’s 10th annual Arbor Day Celebration will be held Friday, April 1, at 11 a.m. The celebration also coincides with the blooming of thousands of Yoshino Cherry Blossoms along the town’s historic Main Street, Boyd Street and Lowe Street.

The town invites the public, who has already generously supported this year’s tree planting by making donations exceeding $1,200.00, to continue their participation this Friday as we plant trees in Buchanan Town Park.

The Virginia Department of Forestry has awarded the town a grant of $1,455.00 through the Trees for Clean Water Program to plant trees on the Town Park. The trees will not only provide beauty and shade for future generations, they will also help absorb and slow down precipitation, filtering water before it reaches the James River. This will help reduce potential storm water erosion which would ultimately make its way to the Chesapeake Bay.

State Del. Terry Austin is scheduled to speak during the program as well as Virginia Department of Forestry representative, Joe Boswell. The morning’s activities will culminate with the unveiling of the Buchanan Arbor Day Donor’s Plaque, which will be hung in Buchanan’s Town Hall.

Following the unveiling, there will be a ceremonial tree planting. Members of the Buchanan Special Events Committee and Buchanan Town Improvement Society will be providing light refreshments. For more information, or to make a donation, call the Buchanan Downtown Revitalization Program at 254-1212 ext. 4.

Bart Smith, director of the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center, the local division of the Virginia SBDC, held a workshop with 19 people interested in small-business growth at Buchanan Town Hall on Feb. 3.

Arranged by the town of Buchanan, the training presented businesses with specific ways to help them grow or improve with marketing. The interactive workshop engaged attendees with topics designed to challenge them to grow in their role as business owner.

The topics included the difference between being a hobby business and being in business with the understanding that business exists to be a solution for someone seeking help with a problem. Other topics centered on small-business marketing ideas to engage owners in making a great impression and “how to help your town help you.” The main message of the workshop was to be in business and offered helpful suggestions on how this can be achieved through marketing and community involvement.

Bart Smith will be at the Buchanan Town Hall on the third Thursday of each month starting Feb. 18. He is available by appointment between 9 a.m. and noon each scheduled day. For more information and to make an appointment, he can be reached at 983-0717, ext. 102, or bsmith@roanokechamber.org.

Mary Zirkle has been the town manager of Buchanan for the past 17 months. She said, “It is all about building relationships. And it is moving forward.” Five new businesses began in the town during 2015. She is proud of the fact there are new places to eat in town once again.

“Right now, we are gearing up for spring and summer, including the carnival,” said Zirkle. “Marty Rickman will lead the carnival as chairman this year with the help of Cletus Newcomb.”

Each third Thursday, the Small Business Development Center operates out of Town Hall. Each third Monday night, the businesses in town meet with Zirkle and others. Recently, she began sending out pertinent items in the town bills so the town’s people know what is going on. That includes conserving water, town council meeting dates and a calendar of upcoming events.

The Gallery by the James has taken to hanging art on the wall behind her desk. She said, “It is a good way to advertise their work as I have a number of visitors to the office. I like it, too.”

Day to day, she is meeting with the town’s people trying to get people more engaged with their community.

“I really like feedback,” said Zirkle.

Right now she has organized a committee to look at ordinances. The most specific right now is snow removal and whose responsibility it is. Tom Ramsey, Ed Tolley, Newcomb, Mayor Larry Hall and Zirkle are on the committee.

]]>Buchanan Gears Up For An Active Springhttp://www.townofbuchanan.com/news/buchanan-gears-up-for-an-active-spring/
Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:05:32 +0000http://www.townofbuchanan.com/?p=4602more »]]>Buchanan gears up for an active spring

With all of the February snow fresh on our minds, it may be hard to remember that spring is just 26 days away! Members of the Buchanan Special Events Committee are working feverishly behind the scenes to welcome spring with a whirlwind of family-oriented activities in downtown Buchanan.

Buchanan invites you to kick off your spring season with a Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 19, followed by an Arbor Day Tree Planting on April 1, Buchanan Block Party on April 15 and May 20, followed with the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend on April 29-May 1. Spring events will culminate with the third annual Buchanan Garden Festival on Saturday, May 21.

Buchanan invites you to get a head-start on your home and garden improvements during this year’s Buchanan Garden Festival. Flowers, trees, annual, perennials, antiques, art and handmade crafts will fill vendor spaces nestled in the shade of the historic Wilson Warehouse/Community House Gardens overlooking the James River.

Spruce up your yard with a birdbath, hummingbird feeder, garden statuary, plants and more. Get the latest tips from guest speakers about gardening and take home more than memories from this year’s Buchanan’s Garden Festival.

Don’t have a green thumb? Take a look at the arts and crafts, such as soaps, potpourris, wreaths, stained glass, furniture, jewelry and more. Check out what our local artists have to offer: originals, prints, paintings, photography and three dimensional art on display and available for purchase.

There is a little something for everyone at the Buchanan Garden Festival! The one-day event features food, live music, children’s activities, Roanoke Master Gardener Speakers, Rockingham Co Op/Southern States and other professionals ready to provide Outdoor Living and Lawn Care Advice ,as well as a special Kid’s Activity and Craft Area.

Chairperson Peggy Ramsey said, “I am excited about this year’s event. We have plenty of room to grow with space available for landscape designers, gardening supplies, outdoor living items, plants, flowers, herbs, art and more.”

For additional information, or to be a vendor, call the Buchanan Downtown Revitalization Program at 254-1212, ext. 4, register online at www.townofbuchanan.com or check future editions of The Botetourt View.

Submitted by Harry Gleason

]]>Must See Main Streets: Buchanan Virginia Transports Visitors Back in Timehttp://www.townofbuchanan.com/news/must-see-main-streets-buchanan-virginia-transports-visitors-back-in-time/
Wed, 24 Feb 2016 20:43:08 +0000http://www.townofbuchanan.com/?p=4599more »]]>Must See Main Streets: Buchanan Virginia Transports Visitors Back in Time

Virginia’s Blue Ridge is as well known for its rich history as it is the mountain views. Historic Main Streets dot the landscape. Birthed at the crossroads of emerging travel and developing industries in the late 18th and early 19th century, the promise of economic prosperity called many to blossoming towns throughout Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Of the many Must See Main Streets enjoyed then and still today, the connection to the region’s rich history may be no more evident than in the small town of Buchanan, Virginia.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Buchanan enjoys a rich two hundred year history that begs to be explored. One stroll down Main Street and you’ll discover a vibrant downtown where historic storefronts display local handcrafted goods, and outdoor adventure is only a stone’s throw away 365 days of the year.

Whether you are antiquing along Main Street, paddling down the James River, exploring Civil War history, hiking the Appalachian Trail or pedaling the U.S. Bicentennial Bicycle Route, you will find yourself immersed in natural beauty and history.

Long recognized as the principal crossing of the James River via the “Great Valley Road” and other regional transportation networks since the 1700s, the Town of Buchanan was officially laid out on the south bank of the James River in 1811. The town was named in honor of John Buchanan, who held the original title to the land. Plats of Buchanan in 1811 and Pattonsburg (later incorporated into the Town of Buchanan) established a grid of streets and lots that to this very day conform in large part with the current tax maps.

As was common to many small Virginia towns, Buchanan’s growth was interrupted by the Civil War in the 1860s and continued to decline after the war due to newly constructed rail in neighboring communities that quickly transitioned the James River into an outdated means of transport. By the 1900s however, railroad lines began hauling heavy freight into and out of the town, and by 1920, railroad employees outnumbered self-employed artisans.

As the 20th century waned on, Buchanan began to see the same physical and economic decline witnessed by small, textile driven towns throughout the south. However, area leaders were quick to reinvent the town’s economy with a concentration on Historic Preservation.

Since its inception, the town’s downtown revitalization efforts have earned the community many awards, including “Best Downtown Initiative Award” from Valley Conservation Council, “Good Neighbor Award” for leadership in historic preservation from Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, Tree City USA designation, Urban Forestry Award from the Mountain Castle District Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District, and “Best Community Event” by readers of the Roanoke Times Botetourt View.

What’s the Buchanan Buzz?

Buchanan was the birthplace of famed author and well known feminist Mary Johnston. Born on November 21, 1870, Mary is one of the town’s most notable citizens. She was a novelist, historian, playwright, social advocate and the first female novelist to hit the New York Times bestseller list. In addition to all this, Mary Johnston was a pioneering feminist and champion of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior, the Buchanan Theatre has been recognized as Botetourt County’s oldest standing theatre. The theatre first opened as A.E. McCurdy’s Open Air Theatre. McCurdy’s was purchased in 1914 by Elmer Shank. Shank and his family cut all the lumber themselves and completed construction of the current theatre building in 1919.

Step back in time inside the Buchanan Fountain & Grille. Located across the street from Buchanan Theatre, the restaurant operates within the original 1940s Ransones Drug Store. Introduce your children to an authentic soda fountain experience with the Grille’s shining tile floors, streamline art deco fountain and early advertising memorabilia.

Twin River Outfitters offers fun and safe river trips that range from relaxing floats to whitewater paddling experiences with true mountain views. Featuring a variety of single day and multi-day river based camping trips, Twin River Outfitters is the oldest and most experienced outfitter operating on the Upper James River and has safely organized paddle trips since 1978.

In the 1850s, a stroll across one of Buchanan’s most recognized architectural structures would have cost you 5 cents (and 5 cents more for your horse), but today the Buchanan Swinging Bridge is free and open to the public. At 366 feet long, 57.5 feet tall and the only one of its type to cross the James River, this truly unique stop in the historic Town of Buchanan should not be missed.

Since the 1700s, the Buchanan region has served travelers well and the Town of Buchanan remains dedicated to ensuring every visitor experiences the southern hospitality and memorable experiences that men, women and children have enjoyed for two centuries.

]]>Only In Virginia – The 11 Most Underated Cities In Virginia You Should Check Outhttp://www.townofbuchanan.com/news/only-in-virginia-the-11-most-underated-cities-in-virginia-you-should-check-out/
Tue, 19 Jan 2016 18:34:45 +0000http://www.townofbuchanan.com/?p=4480more »]]>The 11 Most Underated Cities In Virginia You Should Check Out

When it comes to touring Virginia, it’s hard to go wrong. So many of our cities and towns, from big to small, offer history, southern charm and personalities that are all their own. In fact, there are so many places to choose from, that it can be hard to know where to start.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of some places that you should be sure to check out. Some are off the beaten path, others you have probably heard of, but may not have considered. So read on and get ready to pack your bags for a Virginia road trip!

This little town is nearly hidden away in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. But while it may not often be seen, it should definitely not be forgotten. When a town has the official slogan “America’s Coolest Hometown,” you know you’re going to want to look twice.

What you might not know:
Marion serves as both an official Virginia Main Street Community AND National Main Street Community. In Marion, you’ll find The Lincoln Theatre, one of the country’s only Art-Deco Mayan Revival style theaters, and host to the nationally syndicated bluegrass program “Song of the Mountains.”

Another “must-do” in Marion is The General Francis Marion Hotel, an historic AAA Three-Diamond hotel. Built in 1927, the hotel keeps the roaring ’20s alive with original walnut paneling and oak floors and a card room that features a black rooster, a throwback to prohibition when a black rooster meant “drinks served here.”

But if you’re more of an outdoorsy type, don’t fret. Marion is also home to Hungry Mother State Park. Known for its beautiful woodlands and large lake, the park offers cabins, camping, boating (non-motorized), fishing and a visitors’ center.

This small town of fewer than 1,200 people offers more than you might think. Located in Botetourt County, Buchanan has caught the eye of national publications and offers more than a few reasons to visit.

What you might not know:
Thanks to “Antique Alley,” a row of top-of-the-line antique stores located in the historic downtown, Fodor’s Travel Guide named Buchanan one of the “10 Best Antiquing Towns in the U.S.”

Buchanan is also home to the Buchanan Theatre. First opened as the Star Theatre in 1919, it shut down in 1985. Fortunately, it was reopened in 2002 and, today, provides a venue for movies and live musical performances. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is recognized as Botetourt County’s oldest standing theatre.

Also on the Register of Historic Places is the the Looney Mill Creek Site, a prehistoric archaeological site that shows evidence of life as far back as 60000 BC., and offers historical exploration of a settlement and mill established by Robert Looney in c. 1742.

Last but not least, be sure to check out the historic “Swinging Bridge.” This wooden bridge, which is for walkers only, was built in 1938 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.

As a former tobacco trading and manufacturing center for Virginia in the mid-19th century, Danville is a small town with a big history. Although Danville suffered some economic downturns over the years, recent revitalization efforts have turned it into a place worth checking out.

What you might not know:
In the final days of the Civil War, Danville’s Sutherlin Mansion served as the headquarters for the Confederate Army, making it the final capital of the Confederacy. Today, this stately home-turned-museum houses fine art collections, as well as providing a history of the site itself. The museum sits on Millionaire’s Row, which provides a look at some of the finest Victorian and Edwardian architecture remaining in Virginia.

Other historic sites include the Tobacco Warehouse and Residential District, the North Danville Historic District and the Schoolfield Historic Mill District, an old mill village with quaint residential homes.

Located just south of the capital city of Richmond, Petersburg was once a booming transportation hub and boasts a long and fascinating history. Changes in transportation and economy may have diminished Petersburg’s appeal over time. But the last decades has brought significant revitalization and now, “Old Town Petersburg” is a lovely historic district with specialty shops, historic sites, boutiques and fine dining establishments.

What you might not know:
Because of its proximity to Richmond and its location on the Appamattox River, Petersburg has long served as an important trade route, dating as far back as the Revolutionary War. Likewise, Petersburg holds significant Civil War history and is home to several museums and battlefields.

For additional history, visit Pocahontas Island, a peninsula off of Petersburg that shows evidence of prehistoric life as far back as 6500 B.C. In the late 1700’s, it became Virginia’s first free black settlement, and by the start of the Civil War, Pocahontas was home to the the largest free black population of the time and included several stops on the Underground Railroad. Today, Pocahontas is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Additionally, two of Petersburg’s Baptist churches are considered among the oldest black congregations in the nation and both served as leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. After Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, Petersburg was the first city to celebrate his birthday as a holiday.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, the James River to the northeast and Smith Mountain Lake to the south, Bedford doesn’t lack for natural beauty. But with plenty of history, entertainment and culture to go around, Bedford offers more than just a few reasons to visit.

What you might not know:
If its natural beauty you’re looking for, look no further. Bedford offers easy access to the famous Peaks of Otter, as well as close proximity to beautiful orchards, farms and wineries. But if you’re also looking for history, character and small town appeal, then you’ve hit the jackpot.

With just over 8,000 residents, Bedford is a vibrant town offering fine dining, boutique shopping and local arts and culture and history at every turn. One of the most popular attractions is the D-Day Memorial recognizing the 19 “Bedford Boys” who were killed during the D-Day invasion in Normandy in 1946. Their death put Bedford on the map as their loss represented the highest proportional loss of any community in the country. The memorial opened in 2001and has since been named the “#1 Attraction in Virginia” by TripAdvisor.

Named the “Star City,” Roanoke has long been a center of industry, culture and entertainment in Southwest Virginia. But many people don’t realize just how much this city of nearly 100,000 offers. You might just be surprised.

What you might not know:
Before we say why we love Roanoke, you should know that the city was named one of the 10 best “Bike-Friendly Cities” by 10Best and USAToday in 2014, the “Best Trail Town” by Blue Ridge Outdoors in 2013 and the “Best Mid-Sized Mountain Town” by Blue Ridge Outdoors in 2012…just to name a few.

Called the “Star City” because of the 88.5-foot star that sits atop Mill Mountain, Roanoke offers everything from natural beauty to big city culture. The star itself is surrounded by Mill Mountain Park which offers two overlooks, the Discovery Center, 10 miles of multi-use trails, Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden, a playground, the Mill Mountain Zoo and picnic areas. For more outdoor beauty, Carvin’s Cove is the second largest city park in the nation at 12,700 acres.

If you’re interested in culture, be sure to check out the Taubman Museum of Art, Center in the Square (home to the History Museum of Western Virginia, the Science Museum of Western Virginia and the Hopkins Planetarium), The Virginia Museum of Transportation or the O. Winston Link Museum, a museum showcasing late steam-era railroad photography. With ample fine dining and night life opportunity, Roanoke also features specialty boutiques, a large farmer’s market and historic sites like the stately and elegant Roanoke Hotel.

Best known as the home of James Madison University, Harrisonburg is a college town extraordinaire. But its charm and appeal don’t stop with the university.

What you might not know:
Harrisonburg is an independent city that was first settled in 1737 at the head of a Native American trail that ran through the Shenandoah Valley. The area eventually became home to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University.

In the early 2000s, the Harrisonburg “Downtown Renaissance” began and in 2004, Harrisonburg became a Virginia Main Street Community, investing nearly a million dollars to revitalize the historic downtown district. Today, the city has a thriving arts and culture scene with performing arts’ theaters, galleries and museums, as well as many other local specialty shops, a thriving farmer’s market, boutiques and businesses, including award-winning restaurants and breweries.

Harrisonburg has been named a top Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists in 2015, “Best Beer Town” by Blue Ridge Outdoors in 2013 and fifth on the list of “America’s Best College Towns” by Travel + Leisure in 2013.

For a small town in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, Floyd is an absolute treasure trove of arts and music. With a population that hovers around 500, Floyd manages to make a lot of noise – in the best way possible.

What you might not know:
For more than 100 years, The Floyd Country Store in downtown Floyd has been dishing up old-timey goodness. From the barrels of old-fashioned candy that greet you at the doors to the shelves stocks with old-time wooden toys, apple butter and bib overalls. But what draws people in week after week is the Friday Night Jamboree featuring local heritage music and dancing, Americana music on Saturdays and traditional mountain music jams every Sunday. Likewise, Floyd has drawn national and international artists and performers for the four-day FloydFest Music Festival held each summer.

If music isn’t your thing, the historic downtown provides a surprisingly wide array of shops, many of them featuring locally made arts and crafts, pottery and locally grown foods. Throughout the county, you’ll find even more artisans, craftsman and shops, as well as award-winning wineries, all of which are reasons Men’s Journal named Floyd one of the “50 Great American Places to Visit this Summer” in 2013.

Even though Middleburg, located in Northwest Virginia’s rolling hills, only takes up 6 blocks, it makes the most of every square inch. This small town is packed with history and surrounded by some of the most beautiful horse country anywhere in the nation, making it trip-worthy to say the least.

What you might not know:
The entire Middleburg Historic District, made up of many beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Red Fox Inn is considered one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Founded in 1728, it is Middleburg’s oldest structure.

Since the early 1900s, Middleburg has been a destination for fox hunting and steeplechase events, earning it the title of “Horse and Hunt Capital of the United States.” It is also home to the National Sporting Library, a research center for horse and field sports.

All of these facts have led to Middleburg being named one of the “Best Small Town Weekend Getaways” by Southern Living Magazine and the sixth best in Fodor’s Travel list of “20 Best Day Trips in the U.S.” in 2014.

Named for Revolutionary war hero, General Joseph Warren, this town of less than 10,000 in Fauquier County packs a big punch. Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C. and only 35 minutes from Dulles Airport, it provides a perfect blend of new and old, urban and historical – and earns its place on this list for many reasons.

What you might not know:
Given its close proximity to Washington, D.C., Warrenton enjoys affluence not always common in small towns and is listed as the eighth highest-income county in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And while affluence might be a more recent benefit, this town’s history goes back much further.

Founded in 1790, Warrenton features a jail house and court house that have both been beautifully preserved and now serve as museum buildings housing Native American artifacts, Civil War exhibits featuring Colonel John S. Mosby (a Warrenton resident) and original jail cells. Another key feature of Old Town Warrenton is the statue of Chief Justice John Marshall (served from 1801–1835), who began his legal career there.

Also a haven for horse enthusiasts, The Warrenton Hunt began in 1883, the Warrenton Horse Show in 1900 and The Virginia Gold Cup Race in 1922. Today, Warrenton offers diverse history and small town charm that makes it an idyllic place to live and visit.

The town of Cape Charles sits near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. With a population just topping 1,000, Cape Charles maintains a quaint, post-Victorian charm and should not be overlooked when making your next set of travel plans.

What you might not know:
Founded in 1884, Cape Charles was originally a planned community intended to support a new railroad and the Little Creek-Cape Charles Ferry. Today, you can walk streets lined with old-fashioned shops and restaurants, including an old school soda fountain.

If you’d like to explore this seaside town’s history, The Cape Charles Museum is the perfect place to start. But one of the town’s most unexpected treats is the Kiptopeke Concrete Ships, nine retired ships made out of concrete during the World Wars. The ships can be seen from vantage points at Kiptopeke State Park, which also offers camping, cabins, yurts and plenty of outdoor activities including exceptional migratory bird watching opportunities.

We hope this will get you thinking about the next place you’d like to visit in Virginia. In the meantime, we’d love to hear about some of the places in our lovely state that you feel don’t get the recognition they deserve. Tell us about your favorite places in the comments below and we’ll be sure to check them out!

The town of Buchanan is hosting a Soup Night Cash Mob downtown on Jan. 15. Harry Gleason, town improvement manager, emailed to tell us you can grab a free sample of soup from participating Main Street merchants between 5 and 8 p.m. While you’re at it, shop and take in a movie, Gleason suggests. Soup’s available until the pots run dry but there’s plenty more to eat at Buchanan’s restaurants, he says.